Hong Kong was the best of times Past Review

By (Operations Management, University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 05/12/2015 to 05/28/2015 with

University of Colorado Boulder: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a great time. I made new friends, reinforced my choice of operations, and had a good balance of learning and fun.

Review Photos

University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by Asia Institute Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Company visits were all unique and highlighted the diversity of operations. Course work was fitting, sometimes fun, and helped me understand the company before our visit.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was handled smoothly and any minor issues were handled well. Entering Mainland China and returning also went smooth (if still chaotic)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our hotel in Hong Kong had a great location right near the avenue of the stars and the ferry. The slight down side was having 3 other roommates and getting up in the morning. But other than that it was a great way to get to know people faster.

* Food:

All the food was great, I mean that's China! The local food was the best, but even American food was good. I recall eating at a pasta restaurant and it was actually good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With our guides and company visits we got a good look at Chinese culture. It is important to respect certain aspects of it and try to do as the locals do, but at the end of the day were still viewed as tourists.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health was talked about, but wasn't ever a serious matter. The most important thing was watching what you ate, some street food may be unsafe or upset ones stomach.

* Safety:

Hong Kong felt safe and to make it safer we traveled with buddies or as a group to avoid theft or getting lost. We also all had phones with the guides, professor, and emergency numbers.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Fairly easy, but Hong Kong has a lot of stuff to buy as well as huge malls. I came with all my graduation money and bought a custom fitted suit. (Trust me it was well worth it.)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 400-600 HK dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I guess keep an eye on your spending and don't go to the bars as much;)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people I was with
  • night life and other cultural events
  • company visits
* What could be improved?
  • Housing a little
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how much different Hong Kong is than Mainland.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!